Ex-Mets GM identifies roadblock to Jack Flaherty's long-term deal aspirations

Jack Flaherty is one of the free agents that has drawn surprisingly little interest from major league teams this off-season considering his strong performance in 2024. The 29-year-old starting pitcher was impressive for the Detroit Tigers before he joined the Los Angeles Dodgers at the trade deadline and played an integral part in their run to the World Series title.

Former New York Mets general manager Steve Phillips reckons Jack Flaherty will not receive any long-term offers this winter. He pointed out that the New York Yankees had pulled out of a deal for the right-hander at the previous trade deadline after their doctors found an issue during the medical examination. So, teams are aware of this and are unwilling to sign him to a large contract.

Steve Phillips was the Mets GM from 1997 to 2003. He gave his views in response to a question from MLB Network host Lauren Shehadi on Wednesday.

"It's interesting because at the trade deadline, remember the Yankees rejected a trade because their doctors backed away on the medicals," he said. "So, Flaherty came out looking for a five-year deal. It's not there for him, because I think the concern is the medicals. He has something going on with his back, and nobody wants to lock him long-term, which means it's a shorter-term deal."

The Tigers had signed Jack Flaherty to a one-year, $14 million contract when he was a free agent for the first time in the previous off-season. He pitched 106.2 innings in 18 starts for the team with a 2.95 ERA and 133 strikeouts.

"Going back to Detroit would be a good fit for Jack Flaherty and for the Tigers": Steve Phillips

Jack Flaherty played a vital role for the Dodgers after he was traded at deadline by the Tigers (Image Source: Imagn)

Steve Phillips believes returning to the Detroit Tigers on a shorter-term deal with opt-outs would be the best course for Jack Flaherty at this point. He feels the success that Flaherty enjoyed with the Tigers last year should make him a good fit for the up-and-coming team that is looking to take further strides forward.

"I personally think going back to Detroit, where he thrived last year, would be a good fit for him and for the Tigers," Phillips stated. "Go at it another year. He had great success there. He can lead that staff. I'd look for them to potentially reconnect with one another, even if it's those two-year, three-year deals with opt-outs. It may be the right thing for him and the Tigers."

The Detroit Tigers ended a 10-year postseason drought in 2024 and shocked the Houston Astros in the Wild Card round before losing to the Cleveland Guardians in the Division Series.